Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci.  2014 Apr;12(1):37-40.

Duloxetine, a Selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor, Increased Plasma Levels of 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol but Not Homovanillic Acid in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

• Atake K
• Yoshimura
• Hori H
• Katsuki A
• Ikenouchi-Sugita A
• Umene-Nakano W
• Nakamura J

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
We investigated the effects of duloxetine on the plasma levels of catecholamine metabolites and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in 64 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).
METHODS
Major depressive episode was diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-fourth edition (DSM-IV) according to the DSM-IV text revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria. The severity of depression was evaluated using the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17). Blood sampling and clinical evaluation were performed on days 0, 28, and 56.
RESULTS
Duloxetine treatment for 8 weeks significantly increased the plasma 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) levels but not the homovanillic acid (HVA) levels in responders with MDD.
CONCLUSION
These results imply that noradrenaline plays an important role in alleviating depressive symptoms.

Keyword

Duloxetine; 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol; Homovanillic acid; Major depressive disorder; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor

MeSH Terms

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Depression
Depressive Disorder, Major*
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Homovanillic Acid*
Humans
Norepinephrine*
Plasma*
Duloxetine Hydrochloride
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Homovanillic Acid
Norepinephrine